I started taking 10mg Paroxetine 3 weeks and 4 days ago. For the first two weeks I had all of the nasty side effects on a daily basis. Then it stopped and the meds started working and I felt great for about 5 days, then out of the blue without warning a couple of days ago I suddenly had a very bad panic attack and after that I now again am experiencing the side effects of the meds. How long before this meds start working and the side effects go away and will the 10mg help for my panic disorder and OCD? I just want to mention that I was on 20mg about 3 years ago and it worked great. It was amazing. I remember it also took about 4 - 5 weeks before it kicked in. I used it for about 5 months and then stopped. I dont want to use more than 10mg per day.
Paroxetine 10mg - how long will this take to really start working?
Question posted by Sharon41 on 31 July 2012
Last updated on 17 October 2017 by courageouscara
The panic attack happened two days before I started my period. I think it might also have something to do with that because my anxiety has always been worse about a week before I start my period.
7 Answers
Hi Sharon,
How are you doing now? Did you end up going up to 20mg?
When my doctor put me on paxil 10mg I'm very sensitive to side effects he told me to brake the 10 in to 5mg and then brake that that in half take that for almost two weeks then start on the 5mg for two weeks then take the 5mg and brake a 5mg and take that for two weeks till I get to 10mg so far I haven't had any side effects and this is my 2nd time on paxil, hopefully you guys are doing fine now❤️
I just started Paxil today 10mg for anxiety/panic attacks and I feel absolutely horrible. At first I was shaky then I got sluggish and feel so tired plus a headache. I don't know if I'll take it again tomorrow as instructed by my doctor. I just don't feel like myself at all and I don't like it.
I too started paxil 10mg for specialized phobia concerning driving. The first week side effects were unpleasant but subsided and now I drive without any concern. I drive with confidence but have yet to tackle my fears which are large bridges or prolonged highway driving but do have confidence that I will be ok. Paxil seems to be working and I look forward to tackling my anxiety. I do have some slight side effects but with time I think they will to subside. Stay positive.
I too started paxil 10mg for specialized phobia concerning driving. The first week side effects were unpleasant but subsided and now I drive without any concern. I drive with confidence but have yet to tackle my fears which are large bridges or prolonged highway driving but do have confidence that I will be ok. Paxil seems to be working and I look forward to tackling my anxiety. I do have some slight side effects but with time I think they will to subside. Stay positive.
I started Paxil 2 days ago. Never in my life have I been so sick, literally. I can't stand the thoughts of food. I had an achy stomach and that 2 days was my first and my last. I love food and I've never been so sick , only with a stomach virus that I couldn't eat, until Paxil. I believe I'd rather deal with my OCD and Anxiety.
My answer to this question is that my friend
I have taken this paroxetine but i have very bad experience it has ruined my life almost firstly it extended my fatigue in my body and then it takes my sexual desire i am still suffering from loss of libido in three months course it has very bsd side effects.
Sharon,
I've been dealing with my psych issues for a very long time. Its common for women to have a worsening of symptoms around period time and for me, for some reason the lunar phase.
Geez, why doesn't your shrink have you on Klonopin for your GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder. No SSRI even touched my panic and anxiety. For some people, I suppose they might work to decrease anxiety, not me. Would be interesting to know his thinking.
I seem to have such a high tolerance to any pain or psych med, I've been on clonazepam for 35+ years. I have no more panic or anxiety problems, until I decided to buy another house. But I figure that will go away after closing and refurbishing is completed..
I call that situational and I usually get better when stressors decrease. But that doesn't help you. Benzodiazapines like Klonopin or generic clonazepam make my life worth living along with Lamictal right now. I'm happy and mostly anxiety free and haven't had a panic attack in years, thank you Lord.
That's my opinion, hope I gave you some useful information ...
Peace,
Sweet Hippie
Thank you so much. I will speak to the Doc and find out why he chose SSRI for me instead. By the way, I also just sold and bought a new house and that is when my panic attacks started getting worse and out of hand. I had a bad one again last night whilst taking the 10mg Paroxetine. I give up, I wish I can understand what is going on and how to deal with it. It is so scary.
Hello Sharon41. Not certain if the 10mg dose is going to be enough to help with your OCD/anxiety. The side effects, ease up the longer you are on the drug. But as you probably know, they or some of them do remain. I take Paroxetine, and the two side effects that are bothersome are feeling tired and the hungar pangs. I've been on the drug for several years and these two are the ones that stand out for me. I'm afraid you'll have to be patient and wait and see how your 10mg dose is going to be working for you. Regards, pledge
Thank you Pledge, I am going to stay on the 10mg for another two weeks and see how it goes before I increase the dosage to 20mg. I am just worried about the side effects again when increasing the dosage.
I understand Sharon41. But remember that the Paroxetine will have been in your system for some time, so I believe that be it a 10, 20mg or higher dose, the intial side effects be what they are, may might likely not increase/worsen since your body is familiar with the drug, regardless of the dose.
Thank you, I am going to try the higher dose. The sooner I do that the quicker I will know if it will work again like before. I read somewhere if you have used it before, there will be a chance that it might not be as effective the second time round.
I understand. What worked at one time might not be as effective the second time around. You'll find out though. Have a great week Sharon and let us know how things work out. (Gut feeling you'll be fine!)
Hi Pledge
I have tried to get off paxil before and crashed.
It is exactly one month since I have tapered off and I am terribly depressed.
Does anyone know how long till your brain helps out or am I going to be stuck in this funk forever or until I get back on paroxetine which I do Not want to do??
any help would be appreciated.
Wish I never started this junk
40 year old male
currently taking 50 mg seroquel
How long does the tired feeling would last? does it ever goes away?
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Further information
- Paroxetine uses and safety info
- Paroxetine prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Paroxetine (detailed)
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